StonedBootkit.dr

This page shows details and results of our analysis on the malware StonedBootkit.dr

Overview

-- Update August 13, 2009 --
The risk assessment of this threat has been updated to Low-Profiled due to media attention at:
http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/142881

--

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.


Minimum DAT

5708 (2009-08-13)

Updated DAT

5709 (2009-08-14)

Minimum Engine

5.3.00

File Length

321 KB

Description Added

2009-08-12

Description Modified

2009-08-13

Malware Proliferation

Characteristics

StonedBootkit is a Master Boot Record (MBR) infecting trojan. It infects the Master Boot Record on the system hard disk. StonedBootkit can also exhibits characteristics of rootkit stealth-like behavior in that it hooks the system before Windows loads giving it the ability to hide from Windows and other applications running within Windows.

A proof-of-concept installs files under the following folders:

  • c:\Stoned
  • c:\Stoned\Applications
  • c:\Stoned\Drivers
  • c:\Stoned\Plugins

When it is done, it displays the following message:

Using a Software Development Kit (SDK), this proof-of-concept trojan can be extended into other applications, drivers, and plugins.

Symptoms

Presence of the folders (and files) mentioned above.

Method of Infection

Trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that the executable is something beneficial. Distribution channels include IRC, peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup postings, etc.

Removal

All Users:
Use current engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

Modifications made to the system Registry and/or INI files for the purposes of hooking system startup, will be successfully removed if cleaning with the recommended engine and DAT combination (or higher).

But in some particular cases, the following steps need to be taken.

Please go to the Microsoft Recovery Console and restore a clean MBR.

On Windows XP:

  • Insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
  • When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press R to start the Recovery Console.
  • Select the Windows installation that is compromised and provide the administrator password.
  • Issue 'fixmbr' command to restore the Master Boot Record
  • Follow onscreen instructions.
  • Reset and remove the CD from CD-ROM drive.


On Windows Vista and 7:

  • Insert the Windows CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
  • Click on "Repair Your Computer".
  • When the System Recovery Options dialog comes up, choose the Command Prompt.
  • Issue 'bootrec /fixmbr' command to restore the Master Boot Record.
  • Follow onscreen instructions.
  • Reset and remove the CD from CD-ROM drive.

Variants